The Aboriginal Infant Development Programs of BC

The Aboriginal Infant Development Programs of BC offer support to families parenting children under three who are of Aboriginal ancestry. Some programs include children to age six. The head office for the program is located in Victoria: www.aidp.bc.ca is the website; the phone number is 250-388-5593. Their website has a list of Aboriginal Infant Development Programs, or you can call and one of the staff will help you to find out if there is a program in your area. Depending on the program where you live, the AIDP consultant(s) may offer:
Home visits, playgroups, parent education opportunities, parent support groups, parent to parent connections,assist the family in planning activities that will encourage the optimum development of their child,resource library of books and toys that is available on loan to families,screening and assessment that is culturally sensitive and meaningful.
Parents do not have to be Aboriginal to access the program (although the child does), and it is offered on and off-reserve where such programs exist. Families can self refer, and the Aboriginal Infant Development Program is family centred as well as accessible and flexible.

The AIDP Policy and Procedure Manual states that the criteria for eligibility for the program is as follows:

Aboriginal Infant Development Programs will accept children onto an active caseload and will provide regular home visits, and other specified services if the following criteria for eligibility are met:
• infant is birth to three years old (or up to 5 years of age in some programs)
• infant is delayed in one or more skill areas or infant is at risk for developmental delay
• family is in need of support or education to enhance parenting skills and capacity
• family agrees to participate
• AIDP is the most appropriate service available
• family lives within the geographic boundaries or catchment area of the program for regular home visits (exceptions may be made in certain circumstances)

For more information give them a call or look at their website. They are another great resource for families.